Vorlage

Vorlage is a German noun (feminine) with several related meanings. The primary sense is a model or pattern used as a basis for creating something else, such as a document, form, or design. In office or software contexts, a Vorlage is a ready-made file or text that can be reused, for example a contract template or a letter Vorlage. The term also appears in administrative and legal language to denote a draft or model that is presented for further discussion or approval.

A second meaning refers to a draft or proposal submitted to a decision-making body, such as a parliament or council. In this sense, a Gesetzesvorlage or Verordnungsvorlage is a proposed law or regulation that is placed before legislators for debate and voting. In Switzerland, the term Vorlage is commonly used for parliamentary bills, while in Germany similar terms like Gesetzesentwurf or Vorlage used in formal contexts.

In sports, especially football (soccer) and ice hockey, Vorlage denotes an assist: a pass or setup move that enables a teammate to score. A Torvorlage is the assist that directly leads to a goal.

Etymology: Vorlage derives from vorlegen, meaning to lay before or present in front of others, with the prefix vor- indicating proceeding or ahead. The word is widely used across German-speaking regions and domains, with domain-specific nuances in law, administration, and sports. Plural form is Vorlagen.